Sean “Diddy” Combs has been ordered to jail after being indicted on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. The 54-year-old music mogul was arrested at the Park Hyatt hotel in Manhattan and later pleaded not guilty to three felony counts during his court appearance.
Despite his legal team’s offer of a $50 million bond with conditions for home detention, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky denied bail, leading to his detention.
His lawyers plan to appeal this decision as they prepare for a legal battle to secure his release.
The indictment against Combs outlines a series of allegations dating back to 2008, accusing him of orchestrating and participating in abusive and coercive sexual practices involving both women and male sex workers.
The charges revolve around events described as “Freak Offs,” where victims were allegedly drugged and coerced into multi-day sexual activities.
Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, stated that his client is prepared to “fight like hell” to clear his name and contest the charges in court.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, who is overseeing the case, suggested during a press conference that additional charges could be forthcoming against Combs and his associates.
Williams accused Combs of using his business empire as a cover to facilitate criminal activities, including sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
The indictment further alleges that employees within Combs’ organization, including assistants and security staff, were involved in coordinating these “Freak Offs” by handling logistics such as booking hotels, procuring drugs, and cleaning up after the events.
The indictment also highlights how Combs maintained control over his victims, using methods such as drugging them with substances like ketamine, ecstasy, and GHB to ensure compliance.
According to the prosecution, Combs often recorded the events and used the footage as leverage against his victims, threatening to release it if they refused to comply with his demands.
The charges also allege that Combs exerted control over the victims’ lives by providing financial support and career opportunities, while also threatening to withdraw these resources if they disobeyed him.
The indictment paints a disturbing picture of abuse, with Combs allegedly subjecting his victims to physical, emotional, and verbal harm. Victims were reportedly beaten, kicked, and dragged by their hair if they resisted participation in the “Freak Offs.”
Prosecutors argue that these victims felt trapped and unable to refuse Combs, fearing for their safety or risking further abuse if they did not comply.
The case has attracted significant attention, given Combs’ longstanding influence in the entertainment industry.
Combs’ legal troubles have been mounting over the past year, with his former girlfriend, singer Cassie, filing a lawsuit in November accusing him of years of physical and sexual abuse.
The suit was settled quickly, but additional evidence surfaced when security footage was aired showing Combs physically assaulting Cassie. Combs later issued an apology, expressing remorse for his actions.
However, more individuals have come forward with accusations, including singer Dawn Richard, who recently sued Combs for sexual assault and trafficking.
In addition to the criminal charges, Combs faces several civil lawsuits from both women and men who have accused him of sexual misconduct. Earlier this year, a Michigan judge ordered Combs to pay $100 million to Derrick Lee Smith, a man who claimed Combs drugged and sexually assaulted him nearly 30 years ago.
Combs’ legal team is currently seeking to dismiss this judgment, as they continue to fight various lawsuits related to sexual assault and trafficking allegations.
This is not the first time Combs has faced legal trouble. In 2001, he was acquitted of bribery and weapons charges related to a nightclub shooting incident.
However, the current indictment, combined with a series of civil lawsuits, threatens to permanently damage Combs’ career and legacy.
Despite these challenges, Combs’ legal team remains optimistic, with his lawyer stating that his client’s “spirits are good” and they are confident in their ability to defend him against the charges.
